In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful
The Manner of Performing Prayers
(for the beginners)
by Abdul Basit Quraishi 
Introduction 

This booklet has been prepared particularly for those new Muslims who cannot read the Holy Quran in Arabic. By uttering the Shahada, they confirm their faith in the Oneness of God and declare their total submission to His Commandments, as revealed to His last prophet, Muhammad, peace be upon him. This is the first of the five fundamental principles of Islam. Next in importance is the glorious principle of praying five times a day in a prescribed manner, called the salah.

The five-time prayers become obligatory from the moment a person embraces Islam. This is an extremely important tenet of Islam and has been enjoined with great emphasis both in the Holy Quran and the sayings of prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. According to one of his sayings, it is the borderline between a Muslim and a non-believer. As a matter of fact, it is a form of worship which establishes the link between man and his Creator and Benefactor, Allah. Through salah a person communes with his Lord, the Creator and the Sustainer of the Universe.

Just as performing salah is obligatory, learning to perform it in the prescribed way is also obligatory so that one should know what he is saying to his Lord, and enjoy the full blessings and benefits of praying. In the performance of salah all the prayers have to be said in Arabic besides reciting some verses of the Holy Quran. Therefore, it becomes essential for a new Muslim to start learning those prayers in Arabic as well as some short surah (chapters) of the Holy Quran immediately after embracing Islam so that he can perform his salah in the proper manner.

The best way of learning is from a Muslim teacher, which is a time-honored Islamic tradition. But for those who might find themselves in a non-Muslim environment where a Muslim teacher is not readily available, this booklet has been prepared. All the necessary prayers and the verses of the Holy Quran have been put in the Roman script along with the translation of their meanings into English. Since the Roman script cannot fully and accurately convey the Arabic sounds, we have prepared an audio tape to go with it wherein the same prayers have been recorded in Arabic. In order to learn the prayers with proper Arabic pronunciation, please concentrate more on listening rather than following the Roman script. It might be a good idea to have your pronunciation o f the prayers checked by a Muslim teacher at the first available opportunity.

This booklet is by no means an elaborate book on salah; it is only an attempt to supply the very basic information to a new Muslim to enable him to start praying in Arabic as early as possible. Further information is necessary to perform salah under abnormal conditions i.e. sickness, travel etc. Some concessions have been granted by Almighty Allah in these conditions. Similarly, the manner of a woman's salah is slightly different than that of a man.

Before starting the prayer, a person is required to pay due attention to certain aspects e.g. cleanliness of the body (ghusl), ablution (wudu), cleanliness of clothes and the place of prayer. Further study is recommended in order to understand and all these aspects of salah. Readers might find a book named "Islam in Focus" by Dr. Hamouda Abdul A'ati extremely useful.

Written by Abdul Basit Quraishi
6 Safar 1408
29 Sept. 1987

Pictures are used without permission of publisher. Pictures were produced by Arraiah Bookstore
Salmiah - Kuwait

Re-edited and modified by:
The Muslim Students Association
of Oregon State University
Oct, 1996.

In the Name of Allah, the Most Beneficent, the Most Merciful

Part One : Prayer Timings 

Prayer timings do not remain constant as they are determined by looking at the sun. Consequently the time of a particular prayer would be different in different parts of the world. Prayer Time Tables are easily available at the mosques and Islamic centers throughout the world. Now-a-days electronic devices like "Bilal" or "Spectronic" are available in the market which can tell the prayer times of nearly 1000 major cities of the world. They are particularly helpful to the Muslims travailing to non-Muslim countries. However, the following general timetable for prayers can fairly be observed in almost any part of the world.

There are five obligatory prayers which are performed at five different times of the day.

The Morning Prayer, Salat-ul-Fajr.
It is the first of the five obligatory prayers of the day. It can be performed at any time between the breaking of the dawn till sunrise. It consists of two rakah (two units as explained through the accompanying postures).
The Noon Prayer, Salat-ul-Zuhr.
It consists of four rakah (4 units) Its time begins after the sun declines from its zenith until it is about midway from setting.
The Afternoon Prayer, Salat-ul-Asr.
It consists of four rakah (4 units). Its time begins soon after the time for Zuhr prayer ends and extends to just before sunset.
The Evening Prayer, Salat-ul-Maghrib.
It consists of three rakah (3 units). Its time begins just after sunset and extends to a period of an hour and a half.
The Night Prayer, Salat-ul-Isha.
It consists of four rakah (4 units) and its time begins about an hour and a half after sunset and extends to dawn.
Of the five obligatory prayers mentioned above, one of them contains two raka's, three contain four raka's and one containing three raka's. Each kind has been explained separately. All the prayers (to be recited in Arabic) and the postures in which to recite e each prayer have been explained with the help of the given figures. The figures have been drawn in the order in which each posture is assumed and the particular prayer recited. In order to memorize the prayer for each posture the reader only needs to look at the number of the figure and listen to the tape while looking at the transcript which gives the Arabic prayer in Roman letters.
 

Part Two : Ablution 

The Partial Ablution (wudu)

Before offering the prayer one must be in good shape and pure condition. It is necessary to wash the parts of the body which are generally exposed to dirt or dust or smog. This performance is called Ablution (wudu) and is preferably carried out as follows:

   
   
 

  1. Declare the intention that the act is for the purpose of worship and purity, start by saying Bismillah (In the Name of Allah).
  2. Wash the hands up to the wrists, three times.
  3. Rinse out the mouth with water, three times, preferably with a brush whenever it is possible.
  4. Cleanse the nostrils of the nose by sniffing water into them, three times.
  5. Wash the whole face three times with both hands, if possible, from the top of the forehead to the bottom of the chin and from ear to ear.
  6. Wash the right arm three times up to the far end of the elbow, and then...
  7. ... do the same with the left arm.
  8. Wipe the whole head or any part of it with a wet hand, once.
  9. Wipe the inner sides of the ears with the forefingers and their outer sides with the thumbs. This should be done with wet fingers.
  10. Wash the two feet up to the ankles, three times, beginning with the right foot.
At this stage the ablution is completed, and the person who has performed it is ready to start his prayer. When the ablution is valid a person may keep it as long as he can, and may use it for as many prayers as he wishes. But it is preferable to renew i t as often as possible. It is also preferable to do it in the said order.

Ablution in the said way is sufficient for prayer unless it is nullified by any reason.
 

Nullification of the Partial Ablution

The ablution becomes nullified by any of the following:

  1. Natural discharges, i.e., urine, stools, gas, etc.;
  2. The flow of blood or pus and the like from any part of the body;
  3. Vomiting;
  4. Falling asleep;
  5. Losing one's reason by taking drugs or any intoxicating stuff.
After the occurrence of any of these things the ablution must be renewed for prayer.
 

The Complete Ablution (ghouls/bath)

The whole body with the nostrils, mouth and head must be washed by a complete bath before commencing prayer in any of the following cases:

  1. After intimate intercourse;
  2. After wet dreams or night discharge;
  3. Upon expiration of the menstruation period of women;
  4. At the end of the confinement period of nursing women, which, is estimated at a maximum of forty days. If it ends before, complete ablution should be done.
It should be pointed out that at the start of the bath or ablution the intention must be clear that it is for the purpose of purity and worship.
 

Complete Substitute for the Ablution (tayammum)

tayammum or resort to pure earth may substitute for the ablution and even the bath. This is allowed in any of the following cases:

  1. When a person is sick and cannot use water;
  2. When he has no access to water in sufficient quantity,
  3. When the use of water is likely to do him harm or cause any disease;
  4. When the performance of ablution makes the person miss a funeral or Eid prayer, which has no substitute.
In any of these instances it is permissible to make tayammum which is performed as follows:

   

  1. Strike both hands slightly on pure earth or sand or stone.
  2. Shake the hands off and wipe the face with them once in the same way as done in the ablution.
  3. Strike the hands again and wipe the right arm to the elbow with the left hand and the left arm with the right hand.
This tayammum is a symbolic demonstration of the importance of the ablution, which is so vital for both worship and health. When Islam introduced this repeatable ablution, it brought along with it the best hygienic formula which no other spiritual doctrine or medical prescription had anticipated.
 

Special Facilities in Ablution:

With regard to the ablution Islam has offered certain facilities. If socks or stockings are on and have been put on after performing an ablution, it is not necessary to take them off when renewing the ablution. Instead of taking them off, the wet hand may be passed over them. They should be removed, however, and the feet washed at least once in every twenty four hours. The same practice may be resorted to if the boots are on and their soles and appearances are clean. Similarly if there is a wound in any of the parts which must be washed in the ablution, and if washing that particular part is likely to cause harm, it is permissible to wipe the dressing bandage of the wound with a wet hand.
 

Part Three : Instructions for Performing Prayers 

 

A man must cover his belly button and his knees and every thing in between of his body, in a non-describing wear. A man must also have something to cover his shoulder. A women must cover all of her body except her face and hands in a non-describing wear. The case of not fulfilling these conditions without a strong reason will nullify a persons prayer.

Salat-ul-Fajir (The Morning Prayer)

It consists of two rakes (two units) as explained through the postures below:

      
      
  

Salat-ul-Maghrib (The Evening Prayer)

It consists of three rakahs (three units) as explained through the postures below:

      
      
      
  

Salat-ul-Zuhr (The Noon Prayer)
Salat-ul-Asr (The Afternoon Prayer)
Salat-ul-Isha (The Night Prayer)

All these three prayers consist of four rakahs (4 units) as explained through the postures below:

      
      
      
      
  

All the prayers have been translated from Arabic to understand the meaning.

How to Pray Two raka's 
 

This posture is called qiyam and it is assumed after having made the intention to pray. Raising both hands up to the ears (palms facing the Qiblah) "Allah u Akbar" ("Allah is Great") is said, and then holding the left hand with the right hand on top. In this position the following prayers are recited:

  • Thana

    • "Praise and glory be to you O Allah. Blessed be Your Name, exalted be Your Majesty and Glory. There is no God but You"

    "Subhanaka Allah umma wa bihamdika, wa tabaraka ismuka, wa ta'ala jadduka, wa la ilaha ghairuk"

  • Ta'awadh

    • "I seek Allah's shelter from Satan, the condemned"
    "Aozhu bi Allah i mina ashaitan i errajeem"

    This posture is also called qiyam and it is assumed after having made the intention to pray, or after rising from a sujood or juloos. In this position the following prayers are recited:

    Tasmiah

    "In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful."
    "Bismillah e errahman e erraheem"

    Al-Fatihah, and any short surah or a few verses from the Holy Quran.

    "Praise be to Allah, The Cherisher and Sustainer of the Worlds; Most Gracious, Most Merciful; Master of the Day of Judgment. Thee do we worship, and Thine aid we seek. Show us the straight way, the way of those on whom Thou hast bestowed Thy Grace, Those whose (portion) is not wrath, And who go not astray."

    "Al humdo lil-lahi rab-bil al ala-meen. Arrahman i erraheem. Maliki yaum i eddeen. Iyyaka nabudu wa iyyaka nasta een. Ihdinas sirata almustaqeem. Siratal lazhina anamta alaihim, ghairil maghdubi alaihim, wa la adhdhaal leen. (Aameen)"

    Saying "Allah u Akba" this position is assumed as shown in the figure. This position is called ruku and the prayers as given are recited:

    "Glorified is my Lord, the Great" (three times).

    "Subhana rabbiya al azeem"
    "Subhana rabbiya al azeem"
    "Subhana rabbiya al azeem"

    While going back to qiyam position the first prayer given below, is said. Then having taken this position prayer the second is said:

    "Allah listens to him who praises Him"
    "Samia Allah u liman hamidah"

    "Our Lord, praise be for you only"
    "Rabbana wa laka al hamd"

    This position is called sujood. Saying "Allah u Akbar" ("Allah is Great") one prostrates as shown and then the prayer below is said:

    "Glorified is my Lord, the Exalted" (three times).

    "Subhana rubbiyal a'ala"
    "Subhana rubbiyal a'ala"
    "Subhana rubbiyal a'ala"

    Saying "Allah u Akbar" ("Allah is Great") and rising from the sujood position, this posture is assumed and the prayer below is said:

    "O my Lord, forgive me and have mercy on me"
    "'Rabbi eghfir lee wa rhamnee"

    Saying "Allah u Akbar" ("Allah is Great") the sujood position is resumed and the prayer below is recited:

    "Glorified is my Lord, the Exalted" (three times).

    "Subhana rubbiyal a'ala"
    "Subhana rubbiyal a'ala"
    "Subhana rubbiyal a'ala"

    This completes one raka.

    Saying "Allah u Akbar" ("Allah is Great") this position of qiyam is assumed once again to begin the second rakah, and the following prayers are recited:

    1. Al-Fatihah, and
    2. Any short surah or some verses of the Holy Quran.
    These are to be assumed as in the first rakah and the same prayers to be recited.

    Saying "Allah u Akbar", this position is assumed as shown in the figure. This position is called ruku and the prayers as given are recited:

    "Glorified is my Lord, the Great" (three times).

    "Subhana rabbiya al azeem"
    "Subhana rabbiya al azeem"
    "Subhana rabbiya al azeem"

    While going back to qiyam position the first prayer, as given below, is said. Then having taken this position prayer the second is said:

    "Allah listens to him who praises Him"
    "Samia Allah u liman hamidah"

    "Our Lord, praise be for you only"
    "Rabbana wa laka al hamd"

    This position is called sujood. Saying "Allah u Akbar" ""Allah is Greater") one prostrates as shown and then the prayer below is said:

    "Glorified is my Lord, the Exalted" (three times).

    "Subhana rubbiyal a'ala"
    "Subhana rubbiyal a'ala"
    "Subhana rubbiyal a'ala"

    Saying "Allah u Akbar" ("Allah is Great") and rising from the sujood position, this posture is assumed and the prayer below is said:

    "O my Lord, forgive me and have Mercy on me"
    "'Rabbi eghfir lee wa rhamnee"

    Saying "Allah u Akbar" ("Allah is Great") the sujood position is resumed and the prayer below is recited:

    "Glorified is my Lord, the Exalted" (three times).

    "Subhana rubbiyal a'ala"
    "Subhana rubbiyal a'ala"
    "Subhana rubbiyal a'ala"

    In this posture these prayers are to be recited:

    Tashahud

    "All our oral, physical and monetary ways of worship are only for Allah. Peace, mercy and blessing of Allah be on you, O Prophet. May peace be upon us and on the devout slaves of Allah. I testify that there is no God but Allah and I testify that Muhammad is His slave and messenger".

    "Attahiyat u lil Allah i wa assalawat u wa attaiyibat. Assalam u a'laika aiyoha annabiyyu wa rahmat u Allah i wa barakatuh. Assalam u a'laina wa a'la ebadi e llahi essaliheen. Ashehadu alla ilaha illa Allah u wa ashhadu anna Muhammadan abduhu wa rasooluh.

    This is the posture that precedes ending the salat. These prayers are to be recited:

    Salat Ala An-nabi

    "O God send your mercy on Muhammad and his posterity as you sent Your mercy on Abraham and his posterity. You are the Most Praised, the Most Glorious. O God, send your blessings on Muhammad and his posterity as you have blessed Abraham and his posterity. You are the Most Praised, the Most Glorious".

    "Allah umma salli a'la Muhammadin wa ala aali Muhummadin, kama sallaita ala Ibraheema, wa ala aali Ibraheem, innaka hameedun majeed. Allah u mma barik a'la Muhammadin wa ala aali Muhummadin, kama barakta ala Ibraheema, wa ala aali Ibraheem, innaka h ameedun majeed".

  • A short prayer

    • "Our Lord, grant us the good of this world and that of the Hereafter and save us from the torture of Hell.".

    "Rubbana aatina fi uddunya hasanatun wa fi l aakherati hasah, waqina a'zabannar".

    Having said the above mentioned prayers, turning the face to the right. This following prayer is recited:

    "Peace and mercy of Allah be on you".
    "Assalam u a'laikum wa rahmatu Allah".

    Then turning the face to the left, the prayer above is said again:

    "Peace and mercy of Allah be on you".
    "Assalam u a'laikum wa rahmatu Allah".

    The End

    Short Chapters of the Holy Quran for Memorization Through the Recordings

    As we have said earlier, the performance of five-time prayers is obligatory. Reciting Al-Fatihah (the opening chapter of the Holy Quran) and some verses or a short surah (chapter) in Arabic is obligatory too. Learning the proper Arabic pronunciation of these verses and understanding their meanings is also essential.

    We have recorded below seven short surahs which might be an adequate substitute for a teacher. You can find the same surahs in Roman script in this booklet, so that learning these verses by heart should become easy.

    However, there is no true substitute for a teacher. Therefore, it is advisable to have your recitation checked by a teacher of the Holy Quran at the first available chance.

    Al-Fatihah, or the Opening Chapter
    1. Bismillah e errahman e erraheem
    2. Al humdo lil-lahi rab-bil al ala-meen.
    3. Arrahman i erraheem.
    4. Maliki yaum i eddeen.
    5. Iyyaka nabudu wa iyyaka nasta een.
    6. Ihdina assirata al mustaqeem.
    7. Sirata allazhina anamta alaihim, ghairil maghdubi alaihim, wa la adhdhaal leen. (Aameen)
    Al-Asr, or Time Through the Ages
    1. Wal-asr
    2. Inna al insaana la fee khusr
    3. ella allazheena aamanu wa amilu ssalihati,
    4. wa tawasau bilhaqqi watawasau bi assabr.
    Al-Kawthar, or Abundance
    1. Inna atainaka alkawthar
    2. Fasalli li rabbika wanhar
    3. Inna shaniaka huwa alabtar.
    An-Nasr, or Help
    1. Izha ja a nasru Allah i wa alfath,
    2. Waraita annasa yadkhuloona fee deen e illahi afwaja
    3. Fa subbih bi hamdi rabbika wa estaghfirho, innahoo kana tawwaba.
    Al-Ikhlas, or Purity (of Faith)
    1. Qul, how Allah u ahad
    2. Allah u ssamad
    3. Lam yalid wa lam yoolad
    4. Wa lam yakun lahu kufuwan ahad.
    Al-Falaq or The Dawn
    1. Qul aoozhu bi rubbil falaq; min sharri ma khalaq
    2. Wa min sharri ghasiqin Izha waqub
    3. Wa min sharri ennaffathati fi el oqad
    4. Wa min sharri hasidin izha hasud.
    An-Nas, or The Mankind
    1. Qul aoozhu bi rubbi enaas
    2. Maliki ennaas
    3. Ilahi ennaas
    4. Min sharri elwaswasil khannaas
    5. Allazhi yuwasswiso fee sudoori ennaas
    6. Min aljinnati wa annaas.
    This is an unauthorized modification of the English translation of the booklet. The original was published by:

    Foreigners Guidance Center in Qassim Zone
    Tel.: 06-324-8980
    P.O. Box: 142 Buraydah
    Saudi Arabia
    fax: 06-324-5414

    Wakf Endowment-Gratis 1411h, 1991

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